Venue Description

The York Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages and scenes. It is a highly sensory experience with dark spaces, jump scares, loud noises, flashing/strobe lights, pungent smells, water sprays, air blasts and jump scares. Our guests also have the opportunity through random selection to become part of the show. We love it. We know you will too. Here's why: Walkthrough 10 live actor shows, telling the story of 2000 years of York's dark history Enjoy specially designed sets, special effects and gripping storytelling from our professional cast Meet famous characters from York's dark past including Vikings, Isabella Billington and Guy Fawkes! Survive the witch in the York Castle Dungeon: the scariest show in Dungeon history! Laugh and scream as you experience surprises walking through the depths of the Dungeon We are committed to inclusivity and accessibility and want to ensure all guests who cross our threshold have the best experience possible.

Accessibility

The York Dungeon is wheelchair accessible. We can accommodate one guest using a wheelchair per hour, to ensure that an evacuation chair is available to exit the building. There are two steps at the main entrance, and we have a ramp to provide easy access into the Admissions lobby. We have two flights of stairs both with stair lifts (Max weight 120kg / 18.8 stone) and guests have to be able to transfer from wheelchair to the chair of the stair lift unaided by Dungeon staff. Navigating around the Dungeon is mainly via level pathways. However, due to the nature of the attraction some floor surfaces are uneven. The York Dungeon tour lasts approximately 75 minutes, the majority of which visitors will be required to stand unless using a wheelchair. Our final show is our Dick Turpin horse drawn carriage ride. There are steps to board the carriage, and we have a ramp to provide access, and one of the bench sets can be removed in advance to create space for a wheelchair user so you will still be able to experience our grand finale. Wheelchairs must be able to navigate tight angles and uneven flooring. Unfortunately, we are unable to admit mobility scooters. We would advise wheelchair users to book in advance as without an advanced booking guests may need to wait a considerable time to start the tour. Once you pre-book your tickets, please email yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz to advise us of your date and time slot, and we will make our Admissions team aware. Alternatively, please send a message to our Facebook Messenger account. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate electric wheelchairs due to constraints from the building's historic structure and layout. However to compensate for this, we have a manual wheelchair that is available for any guests with mobility requirements to borrow throughout their visit.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.thedungeons.com/york/plan-your-visit/before-you-visit/facilities-and-accessibility/

Accessible Performances

We do not currently offer BSL tours but this is something that we are hoping to launch in the near future. Deaf visitors, guests with hearing impairments and users of BSL can bring an assistant free of charge. The York Dungeon experience is largely delivered by actors and voiceover audio often in low lighting, so some deaf visitors, guests with hearing impairments and BSL users may not fully experience some elements of the attraction. We also provide an 'Impaired Hearing Guide'; we advise contacting us prior to your visit to arrange the use of a guide.

Awards List

Visit York "Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award" - Winner 2024 York Press "Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Business of the Year Award" - Finalist 2024 Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards "Outstanding Customer Service Award" - Winner 2023 Visit York "Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award" - Finalist 2023 & 2022 Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards "Outstanding Customer Service Award" - Finalist 2022 Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards "Large Attraction of the Year Award" - Finalist 2022 Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award - 2024

Toilets

The main guest toilets are located next to the main building entrance (to the left when facing the front doors) and are accessed via a separate entrance. Please try to arrive 10 minutes before your tour start time to use these as they are not nearby once your tour starts. If you are unsure please ask a member of the team and they can assist you. The York Dungeon also has an accessible toilet located at the very end of the tour, just before the gift shop. The door is wide enough for a wheel chair to access, has space to side transfer next to the toilet, has a full height mirror, grab rails and easy to use taps. If you are unsure, please inform one of the actors that you require the use of the facilities and they will show you the route.

Staff

All of our admissions and retail teams, and our Performers, undertake in house disability awareness training.

Assistance dog facilities

Other assistance dog facilities

Assistance dogs are welcome in the York Dungeon. There are loud noises, mist effects and smells (good and nasty) that may be confusing to assistance animals. For more detailed information please email: yorkguests@merlinentertainments.biz